Your Deceptive Mind: A Scientific Guide to Critical Thinking Skills

No skill is more important in today's world than being able to think about, understand, and act on information in an effective and responsible way. What's more, at no point in human history have we had access to so much information, with such relative ease, as we do in the 21st century. But because misinformation out there has increased as well, critical thinking is more important than ever. These 24 rewarding lectures equip you with the knowledge and techniques you need to become a savvier, sharper critical thinker in your professional and personal life.

Food: A Cultural Culinary History

Eating is an indispensable human activity. As a result, whether we realize it or not, the drive to obtain food has been a major catalyst across all of history, from prehistoric times to the present. Epicure Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said it best: "Gastronomy governs the whole life of man."

Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior

Every day of your life is spent surrounded by mysteries that involve what appear to be rather ordinary human behaviors. What makes you happy? Where did your personality come from? Why do you have trouble controlling certain behaviors? Why do you behave differently as an adult than you did as an adolescent?Since the start of recorded history, and probably even before, people have been interested in answering questions about why we behave the way we do.

The Story of Human Language

Language defines us as a species, placing humans head and shoulders above even the most proficient animal communicators. But it also beguiles us with its endless mysteries, allowing us to ponder why different languages emerged, why there isn't simply a single language, how languages change over time and whether that's good or bad, and how languages die out and become extinct.

Mind: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human

A scientist's exploration into the mysteries of the human mind. Neuroscience studies the brain, but what does science have to say about the mind? A full examination of what we mean by the term "mind" has traditionally been the province of philosophers, but what might neuroscience teach us about it? How does the mind differ from consciousness? And how do we know who we really are?

The Passions: Philosophy and the Intelligence of Emotions

Conventional wisdom suggests there is a sharp distinction between emotion and reason. Emotions are seen as inferior, disruptive, primitive, and even bestial forces. These 24 remarkable lectures suggest otherwise-that emotions have intelligence and provide personal strategies that are vitally important to our everyday lives of perceiving, evaluating, appraising, understanding, and acting in the world.

No Excuses: Existentialism and the Meaning of Life

What is life? What is my place in it? What choices do these questions obligate me to make? More than a half-century after it burst upon the intellectual scene - with roots that extend to the mid-19th century - Existentialism's quest to answer these most fundamental questions of individual responsibility, morality, and personal freedom, life has continued to exert a profound attraction.

The Great Ideas of Philosophy, 2nd Edition

Grasp the important ideas that have served as the backbone of philosophy across the ages with this extraordinary 60-lecture series. This is your opportunity to explore the enormous range of philosophical perspectives and ponder the most important and enduring of human questions-without spending your life poring over dense philosophical texts.

Elements of Jazz: From Cakewalks to Fusion

Jazz is a uniquely American art form, one of America's great contributions to not only musical culture, but world culture, with each generation of musicians applying new levels of creativity that take the music in unexpected directions that defy definition, category, and stagnation.

Now you can learn the basics and history of this intoxicating genre in an eight-lecture series that is as free-flowing and original as the art form itself.

The Dead Sea Scrolls

Whether complete or only fragmentary, the 930 extant Dead Sea Scrolls irrevocably altered how we look at and understand the foundations of faith and religious practice. Now you can get a comprehensive introduction to this unique series of archaeological documents, and to scholars' evolving understanding of their authorship and significance, with these 24 lectures. Learn what the scrolls are, what they contain, and how the insights they offered into religious and ancient history came into focus.

Being Human: Life Lessons from the Frontiers of Science

Understanding our humanity - the essence of who we are - is one of the deepest mysteries and biggest challenges in modern science. Why do we have bad moods? Why are we capable of having such strange dreams? How can metaphors in our language hold such sway on our actions? As we learn more about the mechanisms of human behavior through evolutionary biology, neuroscience, anthropology, and other related fields, we're discovering just how intriguing the human species is.

The Secret to Attracting Money

The potential to attract money and create abundant wealth doesn't reside in your job, your circumstances, or even the economy. It resides within you. Your mind is equipped with the natural ability to attract as much money as you want and need - at anytime, anyplace, in any financial climate, without struggle. You just have to know how to trigger it.

Philosophy of Mind: Brains, Consciousness, and Thinking Machines

The quest to understand the mind has motivated some of history's most profound thinkers. But only in our own time are we beginning to see the true complexity of this quest, as today's philosophers draw on the latest evidence from neuroscience, psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, and other fields to probe deeply into the inner workings of the mind.

Writing Creative Nonfiction

Bringing together the imaginative strategies of fiction storytelling and new ways of narrating true, real-life events, creative nonfiction is the fastest-growing part of the creative writing world. It's a cutting-edge genre that's reshaping how we write (and read) everything from biographies and memoirs to blogs and public speaking scripts to personal essays and magazine articles.

A Day's Read

Join three literary scholars and award-winning professors as they introduce you to dozens of short masterpieces that you can finish-and engage with-in a day or less. Perfect for people with busy lives who still want to discover-or rediscover-just how transformative an act of reading can be, these 36 lectures range from short stories of fewer than 10 pages to novellas and novels of around 200 pages. Despite their short length, these works are powerful examinations of the same subjects and themes that longer "great books" discuss.

Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition

"It doesn't take an Einstein to understand modern physics," says Professor Wolfson at the outset of these 24 lectures on what may be the most important subjects in the universe: relativity and quantum physics. Both have reputations for complexity. But the basic ideas behind them are, in fact, simple and comprehensible by anyone. These dynamic and illuminating lectures begin with a brief overview of theories of physical reality starting with Aristotle and culminating in Newtonian or "classical" physics. After that, you'll follow along as Professor Wolfson outlines the logic that led to Einstein's profound theory of special relativity and the simple yet far-reaching insight on which it rests. With that insight in mind, you'll move on to consider Einstein's theory of general relativity and its interpretation of gravitation in terms of the curvature of space and time.From there, you'll embark on a dazzling exploration of how inquiry into matter at the atomic and subatomic scales led to quandaries that are resolved-or at least clarified-by quantum mechanics, a vision of physical reality so profound and so at odds with our experience that it nearly defies language.By bringing relativity and quantum mechanics into the same picture, you'll chart the development of fascinating hypotheses about the origin, development, and possible futures of the entire universe, as well as the possibility that physics can produce a "theory of everything" to account for all aspects of the physical world. But the goal throughout these lectures remains the same: to present the key ideas of modern physics in a way that makes them clear to the interested layperson.

Thinking Like an Economist: A Guide to Rational Decision Making

Economic forces are everywhere around you. But that doesn't mean you need to passively accept whatever outcome those forces might press upon you. Instead, with these 12 fast-moving and crystal clear lectures, you can learn how to use a small handful of basic nuts-and-bolts principles to turn those same forces to your own advantage.

Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender

Letting Go describes a simple and effective means by which to let go of the obstacles to enlightenment and become free of negativity. During the many decades of the author's clinical psychiatric practice, the primary aim was to seek the most effective ways to relieve human suffering in all of its many forms. The inner mechanism of surrender was found to be of great practical benefit and is described in this book.

Publisher's Summary

Ever noticed that trying to calm down often produces more agitation? That trying to change bad habits can seem impossible? Or that real fulfillment can be elusive, despite living a successful life?

Often, such difficulties stem from the human brain's hardwired tendency to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Modern science demonstrates that this survival mechanism served the needs of our earliest ancestors, but is at the root of many problems that we face today, such as depression, compulsive and addictive behaviors, chronic pain, and stress and anxiety.

For thousands of years, people have used mindfulness practices to deal effectively with a wide range of life challenges. But how exactly does mindfulness work, in scientific terms? How can the human brain, which gives rise to so many of our problems, actually provide a solution?

We are now in the midst of an explosion of scientific research demonstrating that mindfulness practice changes both the function and the structure of the brain. Numerous studies show which parts of the brain are affected by mindfulness practice, and how these neurobiological changes benefit our minds and bodies.

Now, in the 24 fascinating lectures of The Science of Mindfulness, Professor Siegel, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School, reveals the science behind mindfulness in compelling detail and demonstrates its application to a wide range of issues - psychological, social, and medical. You'll examine the neurobiology underlying ancient practices that are now profoundly influencing the contemporary world. And you'll learn many practical ways you can use mindfulness techniques in your own life.

This playful, caring course demonstrates the effectiveness of mindfulness in responding to many of humanity's fundamental existential problems.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

As a mental health nurse, I found this book incredibly useful for my work. It helped me understand what the big deal was about mindfulness and Siegel narrates it so well that even I understood it. I am now able to explain to my patients why mindfulness is so useful to mental health and I'm able to share techniques with them, which has helped them in lots of situations such as to calm and even to resist urges to harm themselves. I want to continue using it and gain more insight as I am starting to feel that this is more effective than CBT.

It was also engaging because I was able to use it and relate it to my own life. Mindfulness and the techniques in this book has empowered me to calm down my overeating and procrastinating. I'm still working own mindfulness skills but this book has made me want to continue working on it forever!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Science of Mindfulness to be better than the print version?

I've never tried to read this. Audio version is Great!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Science of Mindfulness?

The listening! The knowledge attained! Priceless!

What does Professor Ronald Siegel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Personality. Very enjoyable.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Because I chose to listen to this book, I can actually say that the entire book moved me on a very deep level and changed my essence. It gave me a full understanding of who we are. And how to change that within us that is negative.

yes- definitelyIt could improve a friend's quality of life; helping to deal with stress they are facing (and yes I have recommended this book to friends. It would be great if audible allowed single titles to be gifted. Or single titles to be bought without signing up for a monthly subscription, even if it is easy to cancel).

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Science of Mindfulness?

When I realised I could step back from the track that my thoughts were racing along! (helped by techniques such as slowing walking- focussing on the physical sensation of walking or breathing. As well as approaches for connecting).

Have you listened to any of Professor Ronald Siegel’s other performances? How does this one compare?

not yet- I'll have a look to see what else is available. He's very enjoyable to listen to; with a warm, enthusiastic and engaging voice.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Mindfulness- for a calm and clear mind

Any additional comments?

This audio book gives a broader context for mindfulness techniques; why they work; different situations for which they are particuarly relevant...I'm going to listen to this again in a few months!

A fascinating introduction to the science behind mindfulness. Some sitters may be put off thinking it attempts to high jack the spiritual dimension of mindfulness. It doesn't. Instead it provides further insight into the way we are genetically predisposed to think and react in certain ways. Science is realising the Buddha was right. It's only taken them 2500 years!

Loved course examples are well put easy to follow but with practice get deep positive results as with any self work you face challenges in course to deeper understanding but work is worth while the excerise are ones I will keep working with and I will revisit lectures when I need a helping hand in my life

This is a great series of talks. It's an extensive overview of mindfulness from someone who has studied and observed it's effectiveness in professional practice. Prof. Siegel understands the source of mindfulness but the narrative is always educational rather than religious. His tone is light-hearted, and clear-sighted. Everything is explained plainly from every perspective imaginable so that even the most sceptical listener must appreciate the value of these techniques.

If you could sum up The Science of Mindfulness in three words, what would they be?

Well organized, thorough and entertaining

What did you like best about this story?

I learned many different applications of mindfulness that were not immediately apparent to me. For example, how mindfulness can be used to become comfortable with anxiety producing situations. I like that this isn't just presented in theory - there are short and longer meditations for dealing with specific things like that throughout the course.

What about Professor Ronald Siegel’s performance did you like?

His tone is very conversational - not stiff or rehearsed. He also puts a lot of little jokes throughout the course which keeps it light and entertaining.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The one chapter talks about using mindfulness to increase empathy. There is a suggestion that every time you interact with someone think of the whole life they have lived - that they were a child like me at one point, and have had many vulnerable moments in their life. I'm paraphrasing from memory and probably butchered it, but it's helped me to be more empathetic especially in dealing with frustrations or people that I tend to not give much attention as I go through my day.

Any additional comments?

I have gone back and re-listened to many of the chapters. I like that this does not need to be listened to sequentially. I wish there was a chapter list included with the book description. This is the chapter list from 'The Great Courses' website:

I have been enjoying this course enormously. It presents concepts I have heard many times, but not really understood until I heard Prof. Siegel’s clear, everyday explanations. The longer audio forms of the meditation practice are available for download (free) at his website. The material in his book "The Mindfulness Solution" is basically the same as this audio course—very helpful for reviewing. I am thrilled that Audible has added these courses.

29 of 29 people found this review helpful

John M

Lafayette, CA USA

13/01/15

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"Mindfulness and Meditation for us Left-Brain Types"

I am convinced that Professor Siegel's approach is really the best way to be introduced to Mindfulness. He strikes an almost perfect balance of technical explanation, philosophical background, anecdotes from his practice, and actual meditation examples.

Frankly, the list of benefits coming from mindfulness is almost unbelievable. I say "almost" because each time Prof Siegel would discuss yet another benefit I would hear myself thinking "there is no way that is true" he would then discuss all the studies that have been done in that particular area that prove out its efficacy.

He is clearly an expert in his field, very enthusiastic, properly self-effacing, and an excellent presenter. There is some mediation practice in-line in the lectures, but there are also full-length meditations included at the end of the course. Since I mostly listen while driving I resisted the urge to practice during the lectures.

Frankly, after listening to the course, I think it would be very hard not to want to put it into practice yourself. I also recommend "10% Happier" by Dan Harris as an excellent companion book to this lecture series. Dan comes into mindfulness as a complete novice (and skeptic). Anything that can win over Dan and Prof Siegel has my vote.

38 of 39 people found this review helpful

Steve

Wynnewood, PA, United States

20/09/14

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"Excellent and Potentially Life-Changing"

I listened to this course after the also-excellent Great Course, Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation. I would heartily recommend both. They cover a lot of the same ground, and even use some of the same Buddhist parables to illustrate certain points, but each has its own valuable information to share as well.

As you can guess from the title, this course focuses more on the science that supports the benefits of mindfulness. It was really quite interesting to hear about the various studies that concretely support the tons of anecdotal evidence about the benefits of meditation. When I picked this up, I was worried that it would only be about the science, but thankfully, it's not. In fact, it could easily serve as an introductory course for anyone looking to start a mindfulness practice. It's well laid out, interesting and inspiring.

In addition to some internet research, I've listened to Real Happiness by Sharon Salzberg, the aforementioned Practicing Mindfulness course with Prof. Mark Muesse, and finally this course. All three are good introductions to meditations, although I would recommend either of the Great Courses more highly than Real Happiness. Still, none of these programs will help much without actually practicing. I finally committed to a daily meditation practice as I was listening to this course, and it really has been transformative.

60 of 63 people found this review helpful

opwann

17/09/14

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"Theory + Practice = Great Course"

Where does The Science of Mindfulness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Great narration. Siegel is both clear and expressive with his tone, making it easy to follow along and be 'mindful' of his lectures.

So far, the practical advice. It's one thing to hear someone say that you should practice putting yourself in the present moment, but it's another putting that advice into action. This course does both for you.

What does Professor Ronald Siegel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

You can tell he's explored the mind and mindfulness meditation for a long time. He delivers the lectures with a soothing tone that manages to hold my attention -- a short one.

Any additional comments?

Would recommend it for anyone looking at a more 'hands-on' or book that puts theory into practice by providing you practical advice on how to work mindfulness into everyday life.

39 of 41 people found this review helpful

Boyd

27/09/14

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"Question about supplemental audio"

Any additional comments?

During the lectures the author refers to supplemental audio files that contain extended breathing meditations and the like. Audible.com hasn't identified the chapters which contain this content, has anyone noted which chapters contain which exercises?

43 of 46 people found this review helpful

Joshua

Spring Mills, PA, United States

04/03/15

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"Warning!"

If you accept that mindfulness is a valid technique/therapy, (I do), this seems to be quite a good course. BUT, before you buy, be aware that the supplemental materials which are not included with the course are the extended versions of the mindfulness exercises which are explained and briefly demonstrated in the text.

In my opinion, this severely diminishes the value of this course. It's not that the information isn't good, or well explained, but in my limited experience, guided meditations are very helpful, and since they were clearly part of this course originally, I feel the value is much diminished by their exclusion.

81 of 89 people found this review helpful

Kathi

Sterling, VA, United States

29/08/14

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"The unsuspected benefits of using mindfulness!"

Ronald Siegel, PsyD is an inspiring teacher and psychotherapist, who offers a wealth of information about a practice that has been brought to the western world from the east: mindfulness and meditation. We live such busy, conflicted lives that we often do not even dream that slowing down and tuning in to ourselves is a more effective solution than multi-tasking, working harder, or getting caught up in ever more complicated ways to try to manage it all.

I have been privileged to attend several conferences that Dr. Siegel has given, and I found this series of lectures to be fully as exciting and useful as hearing him in "real time." He is a wonderful speaker, and he does a good job of conveying what I think might be unfamiliar to some, but when put into practice, can bring significant change to our lives.

I feel amazed at the sheer amount of information he is able to convey in such a (relatively) short period of time in these lectures. He gives a good introduction to what mindfulness is--it's origins in Buddhist thought, along with scientific studies that are proving how helpful these methods are proving to be in today's busy, often anxious world. He talks about it's uses in daily life, medical situations and even addictions. Now that there is more evidence than ever before that chronic stress is directly connected to many medical and pain conditions, mindfulness is finding it's place especially in the medical world, as it offers an additional way to address chronic conditions.

I like listening to The Great Courses--in fact, I have been buying and listening to them since they were produced on cassette tapes! (Hint: that was a long time ago :-) Although I have never listened to any Course that I didn't like or appreciate, this one is a 5 star winner in my opinion. It is a well-balanced combination of information, interesting anecdotes, useful ways to employ what he is talking about and he maintains a consistent level of excellence in his talks. Speaking of which, Dr. Siegel "talks" a bit rapidly--you may have to listen hard at times to get it all, but he is clearly speaking fast because he has so much information to convey. If you like listening to something that will change your life in positive ways, this is the Course to use your credit on! I *SO* recommend this!

89 of 99 people found this review helpful

Dr Ali Binazir

San Francisco, CA

03/12/15

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"One of the best courses I have ever taken"

I have probably taken 60 courses or so through the Teaching Company, and attended about 20 yrs of formal education. This is one of the best courses I have ever taken in any discipline. Prof Siegel not only has deep firsthand knowledge of the practice and science of mindfulness, but he also embodies it. His teaching comes from a deep well of compassion and understanding, both for his audience and for himself. And he is genuinely funny, with a sense of humor that both instructs and delights.

This is one of the courses that I will be listening to again -- especially the bonus meditation tracks -- and recommending to all of my friends. There are only so many classes that can alter your life permanently and make you a just plain better person. This is one of them. Take it. It will 12 of the best hours you've spent on anything.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Jeanette

Sydney, Australia

22/10/14

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"Not finished yet but.... chapters"

Hi I haven't finished listening but here are the meditations I found. Hope it helps.